"Because we are not a mega-resort, we wanted a quaint and local feel, and the Commonwealth Public House concept, based on British and European pubs, will create a social center and a community center in the village," said David Norden, project manager for the village. "It's a perfect match for our concept of creating a high-altitude neighborhood."

That concept has been closely guarded by developer Gerald Hines, the Texasbased real estate magnate who is part owner of Aspen Highlands and is handling the $230 million village makeover. The 248-unit village will boast a mix of retail and residential uses.

The Ritz Carlton is opening its first fractional-ownership club with 73 high-end units; the village also will be home to locals in 111 affordable ski-in/ski-out housing units.

The village also will have 27,000 square feet of retail space and 21,000 square feet of restaurant space, all surrounding an open, pedestrian-oriented courtyard facing the mountain.

The Commonwealth has staked its claim there.

The Commonwealth also owns a wildly successful British pub in Minneapolis, where a rooftop lawn has prompted the creation of several ardent lawn-bowling leagues. The Brit's Pub is also known for its vast array of draft beer and foods such as Welsh rarebit, scotch eggs, bread pudding and fish and chips, said Stuart Higgins, the pub's founder.

"I think the big challenge for us is to make sure that we capture the spirit of Highlands, which is obviously a very special place," Higgins said as he traveled back home from a short trip to Aspen Highlands. "It's a locals place and we want to continue that tradition."

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